Previously
- David is annoyed Aaron spoke to a lawyer about becoming Abigail's parents without talking to him first
- Nicolette tells Aaron that having another child long- term would be a lot to work through
- Despite David's request to 'hit pause', Aaron talks to Leo about officially adopting Abigail
- Levi lodges a request for IBAC to look into Gareth's case; Freya says he's only put Gareth in more danger
- Kyle tells Levi to stop letting Freya mess with his 'Canning mojo'
- Paul deploys the Kennedys as props to extol to Terese the benefits of giving disastrous marriages a chance
- 'The answer is no,' replies Terese; she's done with listening to how sorry Paul is
- Returning a letter Paul has sent her, Terese tells a devastated Paul she wants a divorce
Lassiter's Hotel
In the office, Paul isn't giving up on Terese, and calls her request for a divorce 'a bit of an overreaction'.
TERESE: We can't make it official for six months. But that'll give us plenty of time to draw up a settlement.
Paul goes to touch Terese, but she moves away.
PAUL: Terese, look, I understand your position - I really do. But I will never, ever do anything like this again. I promise.
TERESE: But you will. It's over.
She holds out her wedding ring to him, but he doesn't take it - so she places it, along with the letter he sent her, on the table, and walks out. Paul looks distraught.
The Waterhole
Karl and Freya are getting coffees at the bar; it appears he's been helping her to settle in at work, and she thanks him for it. Levi comes in and sees them, so busies himself nearby until Freya has gone. He then comes to the bar himself, and Karl asks how Sheila is doing.
KARL: Has she arrived in LA yet?
LEVI: Oh, yeah, she should've landed by now, actually. Sorry, mate, do you know that lady you were just talking to?
KARL: Yeah, she's just started at the hospital. She seems like a lovely, capable nurse.
LEVI: Yeah, she would.
KARL: You know her?
LEVI: I thought I did.
KARL (intrigued): Is she the new squeeze that Sheila was going on about?
LEVI: Not anymore. I was actually hoping she would leave Erinsborough, you know, so I wouldn't have to see her anymore, but...
KARL: Yeah, well, she is only casual. She gave me the feeling that where she's staying is just a temporary stop.
Levi thanks Karl, who then heads off. Levi looks frustrated.
No 32
Chloe and Nicolette are hanging out on the patio, while David is hanging out some washing. Aaron turns up with Leo, wanting to talk to David about Abigail.
AARON: Look, we've been talking -
DAVID (annoyed): What did you do?
AARON: David, just please, give me a chance to explain. Leo and I have decided to use Pia to help us make a formal application to the court.
DAVID: Aaron, I asked you to leave it.
AARON: I know, and I'm sorry, David, but it just felt wrong not being honest with Leo.
DAVID (angry): This isn't about honesty.
LEO: David, I think it's a great idea.
AARON: Look, the whole process takes about six months.
LEO: This is the best decision for her right now - and I'm definitely on-board
No 26
Kyle is on the phone to Sheila, when Roxy comes in. Kyle asks Sheila to send their love to Naomi, then hangs up. Kyle tells Roxy that Sheila's had to go straight to the hospital in LA.
KYLE: Naomi's boyfriend died.
ROXY: Poor Naomi.
KYLE: Yeah. The bloke had three kids (...) Gran reckons they don't have any other family, so Nomes has to take care of 'em.
ROXY: Wow, that's big. She was that serious with this guy?
KYLE: Apparently. She's way out of her depth; that's why Gran's gone to help.
ROXY: Of course Mama has. She would literally do anything for her family.
KYLE: Just like you... I really am sorry, Rox. I get now where you were coming from with Levi. I should've been there for you. Do you forgive me?
ROXY (smiles): Yeah.
They kiss and embrace. Levi comes in with coffees for them all.
LEVI: Hey, cuties!
He tells them about having learned that Freya has a job at the hospital now. He says it would be easier if she was out of sight, so she'd be out of his mind, too. Roxy gets a message from Terese, and she and Kyle head out - but not before Kyle tells Levi to ring Sheila, so she can tell him her news.
No 22
Glen and Ned are in the garden when Roxy and Kyle arrive; apparently they've all been summoned by Terese for a meeting. Ned says that Terese took off on receiving a letter from Paul, and Roxy wonders if she's decided to take him back. Glen's doubtful, but Ned points out Paul is good at weaselling his way back in. Roxy looks gutted at the prospect of a Paul/Terese reunion, but Kyle tells her to look happy if it's that!
At this point, Terese emerges with a bottle of non-alcoholic bubbly, and glasses.
ROXY: What are we celebrating?
TERESE: I'm divorcing Paul.
There's long, awkward pause, until...
ROXY: Yes! Great!
KYLE: Congratulations?
TERESE: (...) I've been here before. So I'm not looking at it as losing something, but, you know, gaining a new beginning.
GLEN: I'll drink to that.
ROXY: (...) And - not having to pretend to like Paul anymore!
NED: Hear, hear!
ROXY: And not having to deal with his snide remarks, his lies, or mind games.
TERESE: That is exactly right.
Terese pops the cork off the bottle!
Lassiter's Hotel
In the office, Paul is in disbelief as he sits with Harlow, chatting.
PAUL: It can't be over. She knows how much I love her.
HARLOW: She also knows everything you've done.
PAUL: Thanks for rubbing salt in the wound (!)
HARLOW: Sorry, but - I mean, only moments ago you were telling me that I needed to change my ways, before I end up alone like you.
Leo comes in, looking 'chipper' as Harlow puts it, and tells them about his decision to sign over Abigail's parental rights to David and Aaron.
LEO: I know it sounds extreme, but it makes sense in the long run. If they're the ones looking after her, they need to be able to make decisions for her.
Paul glares at him, suddenly furious.
PAUL: You have made some stupid mistakes in your time, but this one?! This one belts it right out of the park!
HARLOW: Grandad -
PAUL: No! You do not get to give up on being a father! It is for life, Leo, not for when it suits you, so stop being so damn selfish!
No 32
David is in the bedroom when Aaron comes in. David can't even look at him.
AARON: I know you're angry...
DAVID: You went behind my back, after I asked you to give Leo a month - a month to realise he'd made a mistake.
AARON: Okay. I know that's what you think is gonna happen, David, but it's not. So I had to show you. And Leo basically jumped at the idea. He wants us to have Abigail.
DAVID: Well, if that's the case, a month wouldn't make any difference, would it?
AARON: David, Leo isn't like you. He doesn't want to be Abi's dad. And you know what? You delaying the process and judging him isn't going to help anyone.
DAVID: I am not judging him!
AARON: Then I think you're in denial! I'm sorry, but this is happening. We need to talk over the nuts and bolts tomorrow so Nicolette can be a part of it.
Aaron walks out, leaving David frustrated.
Harold's Café
Levi is at a table when Freya comes in; apparently he's summoned her to meet him, but it's not a social catch-up.
LEVI: Sit, please... So, you're working at the hospital?
FREYA: Ah, putting those police academy skills to good use, I see (!)
LEVI: You should just leave Erinsborough, Freya. There's no point in you being here.
FREYA: Mm, agree to disagree.
LEVI: It is not worth you hanging around on the off-chance that Gareth's just gonna show up.
FREYA: Levi, I know you'd rather see the back of me. But I'm not giving up on him.
LEVI: The trail has been cold for weeks.
FREYA: Yeah, this is the last place it was hot. So I'm sticking around until I've turned over every stone. I need cash to do that, hence my hospital shifts. And, you know, I wouldn't be as worried if you hadn't spoken to IBAC, cos now I need to find him before they do, in case they're corrupt as well. So that one's on you.
LEVI: Do you know how hard it is to find somebody that doesn't want to be found? You should just leave Erinsborough, and let IBAC do their job.
FREYA: Is that your unbiased opinion, is it? Is it? ... Look, I'm really sorry that I hurt you. I am. I don't expect you to help me. But I'm not leaving.
She sits back in her chair, as if to indicate she isn't budging from her position. Levi does the same.
No 26
The next day, Kyle and Roxy are having breakfast, while Levi is on the phone to someone.
LEVI: Wait, who did you talk to in Echuca?
Kyle steals Levi's bacon while he's out of the room! Roxy demands Kyle share the stolen rasher with her, but as he makes a grab for it, Kyle throws it on the floor! When Levi comes back in and finishes his call, he demands to know where his bacon is. Kyle offers him Roxy's toast instead, but she snatches it back!
Levi explains that he was on the phone to IBAC, to see if there have been any developments in the Gareth investigation, but they didn't have any news for him.
LEVI: There's no evidence of police corruption.
KYLE: That's good, isn't it?
LEVI: Yeah, but it would've been easier to just interview Gareth. Like, Freya is no help.
KYLE: Sounds like you've done all you can.
LEVI: Until there's a break in the case, Freya is just gonna keep hanging around, waiting for something to happen.
No 32
Aaron has called a breakfast meeting with David and Nicolette so they can sort things out.
NICOLETTE: I know you don't want to, David, but I think it's really important we have a conversation where you guys listen to what's on my mind?
Still visibly angry with Aaron (and possibly not in the mood for Nicolette making it about her), David reluctantly sits down.
NICOLETTE: What I'm worried about is, if Leo does sign over his parental rights to you two, what does that make me? Am I just Isla's mother? Because things will get very messy if we've got two sets of rules for both the girls.
AARON: Okay. What do you want?
NICOLETTE: I guess, a clear set of rules for both of them?
DAVID: This is all pointless (...) because it's not going to happen!
AARON: Leo has agreed.
DAVID: Leo will change his mind.
AARON: Okay, alright. And while you're waiting for that to happen - while you're hoping for that to happen - what about poor Abi?
DAVID: Stop using Abigail as a shield!
AARON: I'm not.
DAVID: This isn't about her - this is about you. You are so afraid of losing her again.
AARON: No, that is not what is happening, David!
DAVID: Yes, it is.
Nicolette says they should calm down, but David gets up and suggests they forget it completely.
DAVID: I'm not signing the papers, Aaron. So it's not gonna happen.
Erinsborough Police Station
Levi is working at his desk. A thought crosses his mind, and he decides to search the police database for 'Gareth Bateman, Echuca'. Having made a note of something on a post-it, he then makes a phone call.
LEVI: Hi, can I get you to run a trace on a phone number for me, please?
Harold's Café
Ned is working behind the counter when Harlow comes in, and joins Leo at a table. She wants to talk to him about the altercation with Paul yesterday. Harlow tells Leo that what Paul said to him wasn't really about Leo, explaining that Terese has asked Paul for a divorce.
Surprised by this and that Paul didn't say anything, Leo's nonetheless still upset about what Paul said to him; Harlow says she just wanted him to have the context. Ned comes over with a drink for Leo, and asks how Harlow is feeling about the divorce.
HARLOW: Sad, but mostly for Terese. I think Grandad's had his fair share of sympathy.
Ned remarks that he's sure Terese would love to hear that from Harlow personally, and Leo agrees.
The Waterhole
Paul is at a table with a drink, looking glum. Glen comes in, and Paul isn't pleased to see him.
PAUL: Whatever stirring speech you've got prepared about how much better off Terese and I are gonna be this way, I'd prefer you keep it to yourself.
GLEN: No speech. I just know how gutted you must feel, and I can't bear seeing you like this. So I thought we could go for a drive.
PAUL (curtly): Why would I do that?
GLEN: We could head up to the vineyard, potter around. Nothing too strenuous.
PAUL: I'll pass.
GLEN: Alright, another day.
Not looking especially surprised that his effort to reach out has been knocked back, Glen leaves Paul to his wallowing. At this point, Leo comes in.
LEO: Hey, Dad.
PAUL: ...
LEO: Umm, Harlow told me about the divorce. I'm sorry. It must've been a lot to take on. Enough to make anyone snap.
PAUL: I'm sorry too, mate. I probably went too far with what I said before. But I just... I think you're still making a colossal mistake. You know, if anyone knows how important family is, it's someone who's lost them. And you know I wasn't there for my kids. I'm never gonna get that time back again, Leo. All those first smiles, and birthdays, and Christmas mornings. Trust me, Leo - if you give up Abigail, you are gonna regret it for the rest of your life.
Leo looks pensive.
Erinsborough Police Station
Levi is still at his desk when a colleague, Constable Eliz Arkin, pops her head around the door regarding the trace on the mobile phone he requested. She tells him they've managed to trace it; the phone has been off for months until yesterday, and now it's showing as being located not far from here. Arkin offers to pass the details to IBAC, but Levi says he'll check it out himself, as he doesn't 'want to bother them'.
Once Arkin leaves, Levi immediately gets up to go and follow up the lead.
No 32
Nicolette, Chloe, David and Abigail are sitting on the lawn, as they discuss the situation with Aaron, who's gone on a bike ride to calm down. But Chloe tells David he made the right call about Abigail.
At this point, Leo turns up to talk; David assumes it's about Abigail, but Leo says it's in fact about Paul.
LEO: I know you guys are a little dicey at the moment still, but I just left him at The Waterhole, and I've never seen him so... depressed.
Nicolette and David haven't heard the news, so Leo tells them about Terese's divorce request.
LEO: He's not taking it well at all, mate. I think he needs our help.
DAVID: I don't think he believed that she'd really leave him.
LEO: (...) I just hope he doesn't try to concoct some crazy plan to win her back.
Abigail has been fussing a little during this conversation, and almost without thinking about it, Leo willingly takes her from David and starts talking to her to soothe her. Nicolette goes inside to check on Isla.
CHLOE (to David): He's great with her when he's not overthinking it.
DAVID: Yeah. I just wish he and Aaron could see it.
Lassiter's Hotel
A montage starts; Paul puts on a confident, upbeat front as he walks through reception in slow-motion.
No 22
Also in slow-motion, Terese, Glen, Roxy and Ned play cards happily around the table in the garden. We see Harlow appear on the patio behind them, and Terese turns to her.
No 32
Aaron is sitting on his bed with Abigail, trying to entertain her with her stuffed bunny. Aaron looks conflicted.
No 22
Terese gets up from the table and walks over to Harlow. They hug, without saying anything.
Lassiter's Hotel
As Paul enters the privacy of the lift, his upbeat front falls away, and he looks desperately sad.
No 32
Aaron is looking sad on the bed. David appears at the door and stares at him inscrutably.
A house somewhere
Levi has arrived at a property that looks abandoned, with junk strewn all over the front lawn and post bulging out of the mailbox. He approaches the house, and bangs on the door - but there's no answer. Moving through a gate and around the rear of the house, he's alarmed when the gate slams behind him loudly - but no-one appears to be there. However, a view of Levi from inside the house perhaps suggests otherwise...
As Levi progresses into the back yard, he finds it in a similar state of disarray to the front. He tries a rear door, but it's locked. Peering through a window, he sees lots of boxes labelled up as containing power tools, seemingly unopened. Then, we hear the sound of a gun cocking behind him. Levi turns anxiously...
Coming up on Neighbours
- Terese asks 'What's going on?' as she sees Glen, Roxy and Harlow smiling mysteriously on the patio
- We hear Terese say, 'Should I be nervous?' as we see the RSRs hurling themselves around a paintball site!
- Ned tells Glen he's clearly going the extra mile for Terese; he hopes it's for her sake, not to get at Paul
- Terese looking tearful during the paintball match
- Vera Punt tells Amy she blames her for Zara's rebellious behaviour
- The No 32 mailbox is on fire!
- Kyle's surprised that Levi hasn't replied to his text
- That's because Levi is still at the wrong end of a gun!